Superficial Radiation Therapy in Great Neck, NY

Say good bye to big surgical scars or weeks of downtime after MOHS surgery.  One of the best alternatives to treat non melanoma skin cancer on the face, head and neck.  Superficial radiation therapy (also called SRT or superficial radiotherapy) delivers the smallest amount of radiation to the targeted skin cancer.  It is a fraction of the radiation one gets from a dental x-ray, chest x-ray or even a mammogram.  SRT is an effective nonsurgical therapy. As an alternative to surgery, un-like Mohs surgery, SRT is noninvasive so it leaves no surgical scarring while it treats squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma from the upper layers of skin. Along with using SRT as a primary skin cancer treatment, Dr. Adam Bodian can also perform SRT after another therapy to make sure that all cancerous cells are targeted and eliminated. To learn more information about superficial radiation therapy, along with other skin cancer treatment options, schedule a consultation at Bodian Dermatology in Great Neck, NY.

If you have been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, you may be a candidate for SRT. A good alternative to surgical excision, SRT can be utilized to treat basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, which are the most common forms of skin cancer. SRT does not leave surgical scars, thus making it a fantastic option if the cancer is on your face or a visible region.  It's especially good to treat the ears or nose where surgery can be disfiguring. During your consultation, Dr. Bodian will go over your options and help you determine if SRT should be part of your skin cancer treatment plan.

Superficial radiation treatment is a short procedure that is performed without incisions or anesthesia. You will be positioned so that the device can reach the needed areas of skin. Once you are in place, the treatment will take less then a minute for every area. You might feel slight warmth in the treatment areas while the radiation penetrates the top layers of skin. As soon as your treatment is finished, you will be allowed to leave and resume your daily routine.

Superficial radiotherapy doesn't reach beyond your upper layers of skin so the treatment doesn't impact your inner organs. You may have some side effects that appear in and near the treated areas of skin. The most frequent side effect is irritated skin, which can vary from redness to peeling or crusting. There can also be hair loss or changes in your skin color in the treatment area. Dr. Bodian will go over what to expect after your treatment and answer any questions about your specific treatment area.

Is superficial radiation therapy painful?
Superficial radiation therapy is generally well-tolerated, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during the treatment. The procedure itself is painless, similar to having an x-ray taken. Some patients may experience mild redness or irritation at the treatment site, which usually resolves on its own.

Is superficial radiation therapy safe?
Superficial radiation therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment when performed by trained and experienced medical professionals. The treatment is localized, and the depth of radiation penetration is limited to the skin's surface, minimizing damage to deeper tissues and organs.

How long does a superficial radiation therapy session take?
The duration of each superficial radiation therapy session can vary depending on the size and complexity of the treatment area. In most cases, each session may last anywhere from a few minutes to approximately 15 – 30 minutes.

If you have been diagnosed with or have signs of non-melanoma skin cancer, schedule an appointment at Bodian Dermatology to find out more about superficial radiation treatment. As a nonsurgical treatment that leaves no surgical scars, SRT is a great choice to get rid of cancerous cells while preserving healthy cells beneath the skin and no change in your daily routine. During your consultation with Dr. Bodian at our office in Great Neck, NY, he will go over the benefits of SRT and other treatment choices.